Archives

Pruning the Poem – Greg Kitajima was a philosophically inclined beachfront bartender whenhis roomie mentioned a short-term laborer’s gig at a local garden. Ahead lay enlightenment with the great Frank Fujii – and an unsung family history illuminated at last

‘Last Light in Paradise – Not satisfied simply to serialize Michael C. Armour’s brooding novel of an untamed central coast, the Montecito Journal Media Group is also publishing it. The first chapter of this elegiac frontier epic – and Gwyn Lurie’s author interview – are just a page turn away…

Hello 2026!

Year in RE-View – From mid-century gems to mega-estates, Montecito’s 2025 real estate market showcased big prices, brisk sales, and vanishing inventory…

Jumping with Holiday Joy – The holidays are here and so is the annual return of pirouetting mice in tights, sword flinging revelry, and bellowing cobblers (page 20). Between a chat with Rabbi Loschak (page 6) and even the winter wines to complement your holiday table (page 42)… there is a whole lot to celebrate in this issue!

Shock & Awe – Body Reset Montecito blends Miha Bodytec technology, recovery tools, and personalized training for a workout unlike anything you’ve tried. Co-founders Jillian Muller and Paige Duncan introduce EMS to Montecito with top-tier tech, serious results, and plenty of sparks

The Place to Be – From Lucky’s to the Harbor, Ben Kendall transforms beloved local haunts into moonlit reveries that feel both familiar and dreamlike. Jeff Wing steps into Kendall’suncanny nocturnes… hyperreal portraits of Montecito and Santa Barbara nights rendered with startling emotional clarity

Where’s the Beef? – Let’s talk turkey… the nationwide meat industry is facing a confluence of challenges and theremay just be a local solution. The SBC Food Action Network, a federal prison program, andsmall ranchers unite to create vocational training and bring the meat supply chain back into the county

Sisterhood, Distilled – Four best friends, one shattered world, and a love-fueled journey from Chicago toJalisco – and finally, Montecito. Toya Banks rebuilt her life with sisterhood, tequila nights, and a bottle that honors the women who carried her through

The Bridges’ Lens – Marriage, movies, and the magic of the Widelux… Jeff and Susan Bridges capture art and life in panoramic harmony 

Little Mountain’s Menu Mines the Local Riches – Peru, Paris, NYC, Montecito’s Upper Village – Chef Moya’s “sources first” alchemy makes every menu a local treasure map

Montecito Beautification Daytrippers, Hear Ye! November 8 Marks 40 years! (yep.) Come join the renaissance.

Montecito’s Magic – Ghosts, glamour, and garden gloves… Montecito’s October turns spooky costumes and yellow vests into celebrations of local life in both Ghost Village Road and the upcoming Beautification Day

Baptized in Laughter – A list of life’s joys, a British bromance, and a cause worth cheering — New Beginnings gets a standing ovation as Jonny Donahoe and Paddy Gervers return to Santa Barbara with heart, humor, and healing for New Beginnings

Montecito’s Future Is Now! – Find out who was calling ‘Action!’ long before Hollywood (page 6)… Protect the set we all call home – before the next scene unfolds (page 12)… Catch the next reel of local life in full Technicolor (page 18)…

Ashleigh’s Brilliant Summer – How 1967’s Summer of Love turned a discouraged educator into a renowned iconoclast. Goodnight, Ashleigh… 

Mission Creek Beer Festival – From sweet to sour, bitter to umami & beyond… Mission Creek Beer Festival guides taste buds on a journey that fuels local science at the SB Museum of Natural History

From the Court to the Classroom – From life lessons at Crane School to family fun at the Thunderdome, UCSB Men’s Basketball coach Joe Pasternack and his players Luke Zuffelato and Koat Keat Tong invite the community – now at a new family friendly time – to join the excitement this season

It’s a Worldview! It’s a Band! It’s Superet! – Valentine’s Day 2016 – Matt Blitzer burns a creative maxim into his very flesh. Then massive touring… then puppets…

The Wilson Legacy – A tribute filled with harmony and heart… Wendy and Carnie Wilson share memories, music, and love ahead of concert honoring their father Brian Wilson and his timeless tunes.